Get your heart pumping and your bodies moving with this eight-day adventure through some of British Columbia’s most sought-after landscapes. Venture by ferry to Vancouver Island and embark on hikes in East Sooke Provincial Park and the famed Juan de Fuca trail. Camp under the stars, hike up mountains in Squamish and Whistler featuring views of alpine lakes and glacier capped peaks, and see for yourself why the west coast is the best coast.
Travel Style
Active
Service Level
Camping
Physical Grading
4 - Demanding
What's Included
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group. Ferry ride from Vancouver to Victoria. An afternoon of hiking in East Sooke Provincial Park. A trek along a portion of the Juan de Fuca trail. Canoe or kayak rental in Cowichan Bay. Ferry from Nanaimo to Horseshoe Bay. A hike up The Stawamus Chief train. A visit to Garibaldi Provincial Park and a hike to the Elfin Lakes. A ride up the Whistler Gondola to hike the High Note trail. All transportation between destinations.
What are the main highlights of this trip?
Hop on a ferry from Vancouver to Victoria, Enjoy hikes in the lush Pacific rainforest in Sooke and along the Juan de Fuca trail, Paddle around Cowichan Bay, Hike to see the impressive views on the Stawamus Chief trail, Take a dip into the cold waters of the Elfin Lakes in Garibaldi Provincial Park, Ride the Whistler gondola to hike the High Note trail from the peak, Spend free time exploring Whistler
How large will the group be?
Max 11.
What meals are included in this trip?
7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners
What are the modes of transportation on my trip?
Private vehicle, ferry, hiking.
Is there an extra cost for travelling solo?
We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Where will we stay during the trip?
Participation camping (7 nts).
Itinerary
Vancouver/Sooke
Enjoy a morning welcome meeting with your CEO in Vancouver before catching the ferry to Victoria on Vancouver Island. Eat a picnic lunch upon arrival before setting off into East Sooke Regional Park for some hiking. There’s a wide range of trails that have different levels of difficulty, but all of them will offer great views of the dramatic, rocky coastline, and lush Pacific rainforest filled with moss and green ferns. In the evening set up camp, get settled, and have dinner around a fire with the group.
Sooke
After fuelling up with a camp breakfast the group will travel to the Juan de Fuca Strait from Sooke to embark on a hike along a section of the impressive trail. You’ll traverse miles of dense coastal forest and walk over beautiful pebble beaches, past gurgling waterfalls, slippery suspension bridges (watch your step) and the occasional pit of mud, but the dramatic views along this hike are well worth the effort. Transfer back to Sooke in the evening to rest up at camp and have dinner as a group.
Sooke
Today after breakfast at camp the day is yours to do as you wish. If you need a break from hiking consider one of the many optional activities available like, sea kayaking, whale watching, bicycle rentals, or a visit to the quaint town of Victoria for some people watching and cafe hopping.
Sooke to Squamish via Parksville
In the morning after breakfast the group will transfer to Cowichan Bay where you'll go out on a kayak excursion. In the afternoon, leave Cowichan Bay behind and head to the ferry port in Nanaimo to hop on a ferry to Horseshoe Bay drive along the Sea to Sky highway up to Squamish. In the evening set up camp and relax in the outdoors.
Squamish
Today the group will hike The Stawamus Chief trail. This trail is one of the region’s best hikes and will take you up a steep incline to one of its three peaks. The views of the area surrounding Squamish, with the Howe Sound and the Garibaldi Park to the north are incredible. Enjoy a picnic lunch during your hike and in the evening relax at camp and have dinner as a group, refueling after the day’s adventure.
Squamish
Another great day of hiking to discover captivating views and new heights (literally). Set out to trek the Elfin Lake trail in Garibaldi Provincial Park. Offering amazing views you’ll hike 11km to get to the lakes, but it’s certainly worth it. Go for a dip in the icy water, fill up your bottles in another pond reserved only for drinking water and have lunch as you admire those insane views. After hiking the 11km downhill you’ll be able to have dinner wherever you choose in Squamish before heading back to camp for the night.
Day trip to Whistler from Squamish
In the morning the group will travel from Squamish to Whistler to take the Whistler Gondola up to the peak and hike the High Note trail. This trail offers hikers with the most scenic views of Cheakamus Lake with its vibrant aquamarine waters. The hike begins at the top of Whistler Mountain and takes you around the backside with views of the surrounding mountains and a descent through an alpine area. After the hike you’ll have free time to enjoy Whistler before returning to Squamish. Consider checking out the Squamish-Lil'wat Cultural Centre, the Cloudraker Skybridge, or find a cozy coffee shop in town. In the evening at camp you’ll have your final dinner as a group around the campfire.
Whistler/Vancouver
Travel from Whistler to Vancouver. Tours ends on arrival in Vancouver.
Is travel insurance required for my trip?
Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 is required. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Some tours include adventure activities that require extra coverage (e.g. crampon use); please review your itinerary and make sure that you are covered for all included activities. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor.
